Tarver Highlights Free Filing Options Ahead of the State and Federal Tax Deadline

CHICAGO – As the deadline to file state and federal tax returns draws near, state Rep. Curtis J. Tarver II, D-Chicago is highlighting free filing options for local residents who may need assistance.
“For many, filing taxes can become a tedious process, but fortunately, there are free filing options and services available to make filing less difficult,” said Tarver. “Payment plans are also available, allowing taxes to be paid in installments since families have been faced with many new challenges in recent months.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal and state deadline for filing 2019 tax returns was moved from mid-April to July 15 and Tarver is encouraging residents to take advantage of free assistance ahead of this deadline. The IRS has estimated that close to 70 percent of federal taxpayers may be eligible for their Free File service, which pinpoints free state tax filing options offered through IRS providers. Free File services can be accessed by visiting IRS.gov/freefile. Additionally, through the Illinois Department of Revenue’s (IDOR) MyTax Illinois website, MyTax.illinois.gov, Illinois taxpayers are eligible to file state taxes for free as well.

For federal and state taxes, payment plans are also available. The IRS offers an online payment plan application for both short-term payment plans of less than 120 days and long-term payment plans of more than 120 days for federal taxes. Taxpayers interested in their eligibility for state tax payment plans must complete IDOR’s form CPP-1 Installment Payment Plan Request, which is accessible at revenue.illinois.gov

“Tax Day is right around the corner so if residents are aware of the resources made available to them, filing taxes should be a whether painless process,” said Tarver. “These free solutions provided by the IRS and IDOR are here to help. I strongly encourage those in need of assistance with filing taxes, or those that may just have questions, to take a look into the options that are available.”

IDOR’s tax help hotline is available for individual in need of assistance with state taxes at 1-800-732-8866 or by visiting revenue.illinois.gov. For assistance or questions regarding federal taxes, individuals can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or visit irs.gov/help.